A three-girl chess team representing Broward County Public Schools Castle Hill Elementary School in Lauderhill, placed second nationally at the 11th Annual Kasparov Chess Foundation All-Girls National Championship in Chicago last week.

The Lauderhill school trio of McKhaila McKenzie, Erykah Shaw and Shyan Braswell brought home a national second-place ranking for teams under 12 after defeating fierce competitors from public and private schools across the country. Many of the other girls competing were supported by well-funded chess programs and had either master-level chess coaches for personal or frequent group lessons.

Castle Hill girls’ secret weapon was their dedicated teacher and coach, Robert McKenzie, who taught them the game. McKenzie is a veteran teacher who has served at Castle Hill Elementary for 18 years.

“This was one of the most astounding performances of rising to an occasion of intense pressure I ever witnessed,” McKenzie said. “Their second-place finish at a national tournament is a testament to the hope that our children can accomplish anything they desire if they listen humbly, work hard and do their best.”

“Research shows that chess increases analytical thinking,” said Dr. Mark Strauss, director of School Performance and Accountability, who has been working on a plan to bring chess to District elementary schools. “We are thrilled that the Castle Hill all-girls team represented us nationally and showcased the phenomenal outcomes that chess produces.”

“I applaud the accomplishment of the students at Castle Hill Elementary,” said city of Lauderhill Commissioner Kenneth Thurston. “The teaching of chess expands the mind and increases the capacity to learn.”

The Kasparov National Championship is the most prestigious chess event for female players under the age of 18.

Photo: The Castle Hill Elementary all-girls chess team placed second in the nation at one of America’s most prestigious chess tournaments. From left to right: McKhaila McKenzie, Shyan Braswell, United States Chess Federation President Ruth Haring, Erykah Shaw, Coach Robert McKenzie

###

ABOUT BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth largest public school system in the United States, the second largest in the state of Florida and the largest fully accredited K-12 and adult school district in the nation. BCPS has over 260,000 students and approximately 175,000 adult students in 229 schools and education centers and 94 charter schools. BCPS serves a diverse student population. Students are from 204 different countries and speak 130 different languages. For more information about BCPS, visit (browardschools.com), follow us on Twitter (@Browardschools) and like us on Facebook (facebook.com/browardschools).